• Jay K Ferrell, Michael C Singer, D Gregory Farwell, Brendan C Stack, and Maisie Shindo.
• Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
• Head Neck. 2019 Jul 1; 41 (7): 2315-2323.

BackgroundThere is currently a lack of evidence-based guidelines regarding postoperative opioids after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. This study aimed to objectively characterize contemporary postoperative pain management practices via a national survey of head and neck endocrine surgeons.MethodsA standardized electronic survey was distributed to the membership of the American Head and Neck Society's Endocrine section.ResultsA total of 102 surgeons completed the survey representing a 34% response rate. In all, 65.7% of respondents utilize opioids with wide variations in the total morphine equivalents prescribed. Practice environment (χ2 = 10.0; P = 0.04) and performing preoperative pain counseling (χ2 = 9.7; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of prescribing postoperative opioids. Utilization of non-opioid pain management strategies was common and significantly associated with performing outpatient surgery (χ2 = 6.2; P = 0.013) and preoperative pain counseling (χ2  = 4.5; P = 0.034).ConclusionsPain management practice patterns vary significantly among head and neck endocrine surgeons which further emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines.© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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